Report: NFL intentionally kept fans in the dark at Hall of Fame Game

The NFL experienced one of its most embarrassing moments in league history on Sunday night when the Hall of Fame Game was cancelled, and one report claims fans were intentionally deceived after the decision was made final.

Because of a mishap with the painting of the midfield and end zone logos at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, the field was deemed unplayable. According to Gregg Doyel of the Indianapolis Star, the Green Bay Packers and Indianapolis Colts were informed at 6:40 p.m. that the game had been called off. Yet, for some reason, fans in attendance weren’t given the bad news until much closer to the 8 p.m. kickoff time.

Doyel, who calls the delaying of the announcement “intentional” and “deceitful,” notes that the stadium scoreboard continued to show a countdown to the 8 p.m. kickoff. In the meantime, fans flooded the concession stands to purchase souvenirs as they awaited the start of the game that never was.

“I’ve spent $50 since I got into the stadium,” a Colts fan told Doyel 30 minutes before kickoff. “You’re damn right I’m mad. I’m (expletive).”

“I spent $65 on this food,” a Packers fan said. “How (expletive) do you think I am?”

Many fans knew the game had been cancelled because they found out from friends or on social media. Others weren’t made aware until Doyel asked them for their thoughts on the unexpected turn of events just 20 minutes before kickoff.

At 8 p.m. — when the scoreboard countdown had expired — Hall of Fame President David Baker walked out with a microphone and delivered the bad news. ESPN had reported that the NFL was planning to hold some sort of “fan fest” in addition to refunding ticket money, but many fans paid for travel and lodging as well. If they were strung along just so they would spend even more money, that’s inexcusable.

Regardless of how embarrassing the paint debacle was, these photos show that the right call was made in cancelling the game. Player safety is the top priority. That said, the NFL made things much worse by — stop us if you’ve heard this before — not being open and honest with the fans.